29 January, 2013First Workshop of the European Electromobility Observatory

On 24 January 2013 the first European Electromobility Observatory workshop took place at the Palais des Académies, Brussels. The EEO was launched on 19 December 2012 by HyER, in association with TNO, ECN, VUB, TÜV NORD, POLIS, AVERE, and supported by the EU Commission, as a crucial instrument to support fact-based policy making aimed at acceleration of electric vehicles’ roll-out.

The workshop focused at informing stakeholders on its ambition to monitor and collect all electro-mobility developments in Europe. The well-attended workshop brought together main industry representatives and local authorities who shared views on the technology trends and infrastructure needs and challenges.

During the first session, HyER Chairman Andreas Ziolek outlined the work plan of the EEO while results on current EU projects were presented by Green eMotion, Clean Vehicle Portal and the Joint Research Centre. The second session focused on the EEO expectations from the regional representatives, the automotive industry and the infrastructure representatives (presentations given by London and Lombardy, Nissan and Hubject respectively).

Franz Söldner (former DG Move official) informed attendees of the“Clean Power for Transport Package” which was officially launched by the EC the same day. The package aims at harmonising the build up of alternative fuel stations, including hydrogen and electricity recharging stations across Europe. The EC stressed the importance of the EEO instrument in this package to convince Member States to engage on the adoption of the energy mix as a means to reduce oil dependance and GHG emissions.

“The EEO should provide the European Commission and Member States with the correct figures on electromobility. It should be the point of reference,” said Franz Söldner.